Principles and application of hypobaric storage of cut flowers

Hypobaric ventilation with moist air at 0 deg C markedly extends longevity of cut carnations and several other flowers. 'Sleepiness' or failure of bud-stage carnations to open properly was prevented in flowers following up to 9 weeks at 50 Torr (or mm-Hg) and 0 deg C. The decorative life of a bud or fully open flower in holding solutions was generally as good or better than freshly harvested flowers.